Reno/Tahoe Convention

On the 17^th Annual Convention in Reno/Lake Tahoe – Efik ke Obio Mbakara -, I want to thank all members of ENA-USA, the Efik community, friends, and well wishers who attended the convention. Here are the synopses of the events as they occurred by the day:

• 2014 Reno Convention began with the welcome party on Thursday where Efik arrived in tasty class limousine, and partied the night away. It was a great reunion!
• Friday adventures started with 7 amZumba Body Fitness and Exercise. It was followed by an excursion trip to scenicLake Tahoe and a Tahoe Queen Boat Cruise. On the other end of the adventurespectrum, the Youth Wingers were White Water rafting on the Truckee River. BOTpresentations to the Youth Wingers kicked off the evening session. Then, theTalent Show followed and the curtain closed with the crowning of Mr. and Ms. EfikUSA, where they demonstrated their elegant “cat walk” on the full-scalefashion run-way specially designed/built for their occasion. After that, weconducted our business meeting, during which time the new executive was elected.
  We were able to squeeze in some partying!
• In keeping with a healthy lifestyle, Saturdayevents rolled in with a 7 am Zumba Body Fitness Exercise and Workout. Our Saturday morning presentations featured experts in the fields of Efik language (Efik 101 – Deacon Etinyin Eyo Ephraim), Finance (Mr. Mukwel Aiyuk, CPA), Immigration (Dr. Rosy Rowan), and Men’s Health (Mrs. Martha Aiyuk). Immediately following the presentations was “Free Time”. Efik hit the Meadowood Mall and the slot machines! Were there any millionaires? The Saturday Gala Night was the quintessential Efik mode of decorum (Efik edi mbakara) – it was graceful, elegant, and dignifying- at all times. Congratulations to the college scholarship recipients.

I will like to thank all the participants in the cultural performances. The quality of your presentations is an assurance for the survival of the Efik
culture in the Diaspora. The theme of our convention “The Efik Family Values and Community Empowerment” was vividly brought to life by the eloquent keynote speech delivered by honorable Nkoyo Toyo. The underling premises in her presentation underscore the effort of ENA-USA to strengthen our family values. The members of Nka Ima Obio equally thank you for your presence, felicity, and
generosity.

• To God be all the Glory! The Sunday morning worship was quietly observed by individuals and families.

The Executive Body

As per the bylaws of ENA-USA, the President and the Treasurer are the only elected officers of the association. The elected president forms the Executive Body to manage the affairs of the association for the next two years. It is with great pleasure and sense of duty and humility that I present to you the new 2014-2016 ENA-USA Executive Body. These illustrious men and women of distinction and character have served our community in different capacities. They bring to their respective positions the spirit of dedication, commitment, and professionalism to bear on their service to our community. Our honorable officers are:

President: Chief (Dr.) Chris B. Effiong, P.E., K of C
Vice President: Dr. Veronica Archibong
Treasurer: Mr. Inyang Ebio
Secretary: Lady Umo Udo
Financial Sec: Dr. Felicia Bassey Akamune
Assist Sec: Mr. Etim Effiong
Provost: Mr. Tony Henshaw
PRO:  Mrs. Elizabeth Ana Trimnell

Standing Committees:
Health and Wellness: Chair, Dr. Felicia Bassey Akamune
Website Committee: Chair, Mrs. Elizabeth Ana Trimnell
cholarship Committee: Chair, Mr. Tony Henshaw
Fundraising: Chair, Chief (Prof.) Rosemary Effiong

Chapter Presidents:
Mr. Francis Ironbar, Nka Ndito Efik DFW/Austin
Mrs. Elizabeth Ana Trimnell, Nka Ikem Esit, DC Tri-State
Mr. Sam Okon Eniang, Nka Nsongho Nda, New York Tri-State
Chief (Dr.) Chris B. Effiong, Nka Ima Obio, Reno/Lake Tahoe
Mr. Tony Henshaw, Efik Professionals, Houston

The State of ENA-USA and the Road Forward

The Efik National Association USA, Inc. is a strong association built on the core values of dignity, integrity, honor, and respect. As the 6^th President of ENA-USA, elected on Friday July 25, 2014, I solemnly pledge to uphold these values. These are the values that have guided the immediate past Executive members to work under difficult circumstances of adversity without losing focus. In the past four years laudable initiatives have been undertaken, which include college scholarship awards, Medical Mission abroad, humanitarian services here and abroad.

We will continue to nurture, strengthen and expand all current ENA-USA initiatives, and more will be added as we grow in the years ahead under my leadership. I pray for God’s guidance as we work to improve humanity. By the words of the late Martin Luther King Jr. “No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” We will work
to the best of our ability to uplift humanity.

There is value in all human life and by God’s creation no one life is of less/more value than the other. Here are the values that we stand for:

• ENA-USA will continue to be an association of inclusiveness without bigotry.
• ENA-USA is an association that respects women (our mothers, sisters, aunts, and daughters).
• ENA-USA will continue to be the association that gives members equal opportunity to contribute their best.
•  ENA-USA will continue to educate our youths in all aspects of Efik culture, for our posterity rests with our youths.
• ENA-USA will continue to provide the platform for self actualization without fear or prejudice.

I have served the Efik community throughout my entire adult life, beginning with my membership in Esop Mkparawa, Lagos branch (1975) to my formations of Nka Ikem Esit, Washington DC Tri-State (1993); Nka Ima Obio, Reno/Lake Tahoe Nevada (2013) and my active leadership/membership in ENA-USA from its inception (1997). I will continue to serve our community with respect, dignity, integrity and humility but will not condone any attempt or acts that will compromise ENA-USA’s core values.

God’s guidance and the regard for human dignity and integrity have helped members of ENA-USA and the Efik community to live in peace. In all three aspects of human life our members have found peace, as individuals and collectively as a group. It was beautiful and peaceful as scores of members, friends, and well-wishers sailed on the blue waters of Lake Tahoe onboard the Tahoe Queen Cruise Ship. It is with that feeling of peace and tranquility, that we have returned to our respective homes to continue ENA-USA’s service for humanity. Our best days are yet to come.

God’s blessings to us all!

Long Live ENA-USA!
Long Live Efik Eburutu!!

Chief (Dr.) Chris B. Effiong, PE; K of C
President
The Efik National Association USA, Inc